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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Faith and Reason Question 19: Resurrection Question: Please discuss the issue of resurrection in detail both from a rational and a natural or instinctive perspective. Please refer to important books regarding this topic.

Brief Answer The answer to this question will be clarified by examining three philosophical perspectives—that of Masha’ (Peripatetic Philosophy), Ishraq (Illuminationist Philosophy), and Hikmat al-Muta’aliyah (Transcendental Philosophy), as well as the opinions of Kalam (Theology), and ‘Irfan (Mysticism).

Among the topics discussed by scholars on this issue include topics such as the possibility of resurrection, its concrete existence, its proof, and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of resurrection of the body, the soul, or both. Hence the answer will be comprised of the following: a. The concept of resurrection. b. The possibility and actual occurrence of resurrection. c. Claims and descriptions pertaining to resurrection. d. Proof of resurrection. a.

Concepts such as: Returning to one’s original abode. Death after life and life after death. Existence of a world similar to this world and the gathering of all mankind. Return of the soul to its origin and source. Transfer of the soul from this world to the next. Gathering of individual souls within the collective the soul. Resurrection or rising of people from their graves. b. Firstly, the possibility of resurrection and its occurrence must be proven.

Its possibility can be easily understood from the existence of this world. c. Many scholars and philosophers believe in the resurrection of the body and the soul. However, they disagree on the manner in which the body is resurrected—whether it is the material body of this world, or the imaginal body of the purgatory, or perhaps the particular intellectual and metaphysical body that returns. d.

The logical reasons provided in the Qur`an for resurrection are as follows: The afterlife is a requirement for the purposefulness of this world, the establishment of justice, and the perfection of humanity. The same Allah who created mankind in the first place and Who wills seeds to grow in the earth is also very much capable of resurrecting mankind.

Among the logical reasons for resurrection is the existence in every human of a single unique soul which is not affected by changes in the physical characteristics of the body. Perfection is not achieved during the period the soul is with the body.